Luggage prices drop most reliably after major holidays and at the end of each season

Luggage typically goes on sale in January, July, and August. January sales follow the winter holiday rush — retailers clear stock from December purchases and make room for spring inventory. July and August mark the end of the summer travel season, when stores discount remaining stock before fall merchandise arrives. These windows are when you will see the deepest discounts, often 30 to 50 percent off.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November also bring luggage sales, though discounts tend to be smaller than end-of-season markdowns. Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends see moderate reductions as well. Outside these windows, prices remain fairly stable unless a specific retailer is clearing inventory or running a promotional event.

The timing matters because luggage is not a high-turnover item like clothing or electronics. Retailers stock the same models for months, so they use seasonal sales to move inventory rather than constant discounting. If you can wait, buying during a known sale window saves more money than buying at random times.

Key Takeaways

  • January, July, and August offer the deepest luggage discounts as retailers clear seasonal inventory.
  • Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales exist but typically offer smaller discounts than end-of-season sales.
  • Luggage prices stay relatively stable outside sale windows, so waiting for a sale period usually saves 30 to 50 percent.
  • Checking a retailer's email list or following their social media alerts you to flash sales and clearance events that may not be advertised widely.

Where to watch for luggage sales

Major retailers like Target, Walmart, Costco, and Amazon run luggage sales during the seasonal windows mentioned above. Department stores such as Macy's and Kohl's also discount luggage heavily in January and late summer. Luggage-specific retailers like Away, Samsonite, and Delsey run their own sales on their websites, often timed to match the broader retail calendar but sometimes with their own timing.

Sign up for email newsletters from retailers where you shop. Most send sale announcements a few days before the sale begins, giving you time to plan. Some retailers offer an additional percentage off for newsletter subscribers during sales events. Following a retailer on social media or checking their website weekly during known sale months takes a few minutes and often reveals flash sales that last only a few days.

Outlet stores and outlet websites like Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls carry luggage year-round at discounted prices, though selection is smaller and sizes may be limited. These are worth checking if you need luggage outside the main sale windows, but the selection during January or July sales at full-price retailers is usually better.

How to compare prices across retailers

Before a sale begins, note the regular price of the luggage you want at two or three retailers. When sales start, check those same retailers to see which one offers the best discount. A piece that costs $200 at one store and $180 at another may drop to $100 and $90 respectively during a sale — the percentage discount matters more than the starting price.

Check the return policy before buying. Some retailers allow returns for 30 days; others give 60 or 90 days. If you buy during a sale and later find a better price elsewhere, a longer return window gives you time to return and repurchase. Read the fine print on sale items — some retailers exclude sale merchandise from returns or charge a restocking fee.

Factor in shipping costs if you are buying online. A piece that is $20 cheaper at one retailer may cost the same after shipping. Many retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, so buying multiple items at once can offset shipping fees. In-store pickup, when available, eliminates shipping costs entirely.

Luggage sales by season and what to expect

January is the strongest sale month. Retailers clear holiday inventory and make room for spring stock. Discounts typically run 30 to 50 percent off regular prices. Selection is widest because stores are clearing a full range of models and colors. This is the best time to buy if you have flexibility on timing.

July and August bring the second-strongest sales. Summer travel season ends, and retailers need to clear stock before fall merchandise arrives. Discounts are similar to January — 30 to 50 percent off. Selection is good but slightly smaller than January because some models may already be sold out. If you travel in the fall or winter, buying in July or August locks in a low price months before you need the luggage.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday (late November) offer discounts of 15 to 30 percent, smaller than seasonal sales. The advantage is that new models for the coming year are often in stock, so you get current designs at a discount. The disadvantage is that popular items sell out quickly.

Memorial Day and Labor Day (May and September) see modest discounts of 10 to 25 percent. These are worth checking if you need luggage at those times, but they are not as strong as January or July sales.

What to do if you need luggage outside sale windows

If you need luggage urgently and cannot wait for a sale, outlet retailers and discount websites offer year-round prices that are lower than full-price stores. Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross typically carry luggage at 20 to 40 percent below regular retail prices, though selection is limited and you cannot return items to the original retailer if you find a better price later.

Check if your credit card offers price protection. Some cards will refund the difference if you buy an item and it goes on sale within a set window — typically 30 to 60 days. If your card has this benefit, buying outside a sale window is less risky because you can claim the discount later if a sale begins soon after your purchase.

Consider buying a less popular color or size. Luggage in standard colors like black, navy, or gray sells faster and discounts less deeply. Unusual colors or less common sizes often see steeper discounts because they move more slowly. If you are flexible on appearance, this can save money even outside major sale windows.

Luggage models that hold their price versus those that discount heavily

Premium brands like Away, Rimowa, and Delsey hold their prices more consistently because they have strong brand loyalty and limited distribution. These brands do go on sale during January and July, but discounts are usually 15 to 25 percent rather than 40 to 50 percent. If you want a specific premium brand, waiting for their sale is still worth it, but the savings are smaller.

Mid-range brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and Travelpro discount more heavily — often 40 to 50 percent during seasonal sales. These brands are widely available and have high inventory, so retailers use sales to clear stock. If you are price-sensitive, these brands offer better value during sales.

Store brands and budget luggage from retailers like Target and Walmart discount less in percentage terms because the starting price is already low. A $60 piece may drop to $40 during a sale — a 33 percent discount that is smaller in percentage than a $300 piece dropping to $150. However, the absolute savings are smaller, so the value proposition depends on your budget and how long you need the luggage to last.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is luggage cheaper during Black Friday or in January?

January typically offers deeper discounts — 30 to 50 percent off versus 15 to 30 percent on Black Friday. The trade-off is that Black Friday has more new models in stock, while January focuses on clearing older inventory. If you want the lowest price, January is better. If you want the newest designs, Black Friday is worth checking.

Do luggage prices ever go lower than January sales?

Rarely. January and July are the two deepest sale windows of the year. Prices may drop further if a retailer is closing a location or discontinuing a specific model, but these events are unpredictable. Waiting for January or July is a more reliable strategy than hoping for a deeper discount later.

Should I buy luggage on sale if I do not need it right away?

If you know you will need luggage within the next year, buying during a sale saves money. Luggage does not expire or go out of style quickly. The main risk is that you may find a better model later, but the discount you get now usually outweighs that risk. Store it in a closet or under a bed until you need it.

Do outlet stores have better prices than regular stores during sales?

Outlet stores offer consistent discounts year-round but usually not as deep as regular stores during seasonal sales. A piece that is 30 percent off at an outlet may be 50 percent off at a regular retailer during January. However, outlet stores are useful if you need luggage outside sale windows or want to avoid waiting.

Can I return luggage bought on sale if I change my mind?

Most retailers allow returns on sale items, but check the policy before buying. Some exclude sale merchandise from returns or charge a restocking fee. Read the fine print on the product page or ask a sales associate before completing your purchase. A longer return window gives you more time to decide if the luggage meets your needs.